As the country grapples with a dire water situation this year, particularly at the fag end of the Rabi season, the country's top leadership on Saturday called for conserving the precious resource of nature - not only for the present but also for the future generations.
In their separate messages on World Water Day, President Asif Ali Zardari said as a water-stressed nation, we must take urgent measures to ensure the availability of clean and safe drinking water for all.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said water is the cornerstone of life; fundamental to our economies, our food systems, and our environment. Yet, this life-sustaining resource is under unprecedented stress.
The call came as the Indus River System Authority had warned Punjab and Sindh, the main breadbaskets of the country, to brace themselves for up to 35 per cent water shortages for the remaining period of the current Rabi crops, including the staple wheat harvest.
According to the data released by Irsa on Saturday, Tarbela hit the dead level of 1,402ft and the water level in River Jhelum at Mangla was 1063.75ft, which was 13.75ft higher than its dead level of 1,050ft.
Irsa Director of Operations Khalid Idrees Rana had described the situation as "usual phenomenon at this stage of Rabi season".
Sindh is particularly vulnerable as the province braces for an acute shortage of irrigation water now when formal Kharif season is set to begin. The shortage in Sindh had already worsened to 45 per cent for winter crops. Now it is reporting an overall 50 per cent water shortage with Guddu Barrage recording 10.3 per cent and Sukkur Barrage 66.3 per cent.
Irsa's advisory committee was to hold its meeting on April 1 to discuss water flows availability and overall scenario for the upcoming summer crop season but it is likely to be held later in the first week of April due to the Eid holidays.
Normally, Tarbela Dam is considered to be the primary source of irrigation water for Sindh. Mangla Dam hardly feeds the province. Sukkur Barrage feeds most of Sindh's lands through its seven major canals. Guddu and Sukkur barrages also provide water to Balochistan.
Guddu Barrage is currently drawing water only for Ghotki Feeder - its left bank channel - whereas the right bank canal - Desert Pat Feeder - supplies 1,900 cusecs to Balochistan, which was also receiving 500 cusecs for the Kachhi canal through Taunsa Barrage till March 17. Sukkur Barrage was also providing another 600 cusecs to Balochistan.
Kotri Barrage was having a flow of 5,199 cusecs, including 1,200 cusecs for Karachi. Some quantum of around 200 cusecs was released to Hyderabad and Latifabad for drinking purpose.
President calls for electricity, water savings
President Asif Ali Zardari said, "This year, Earth Hour coincides with World Water Day 2025, under the theme 'Give an Hour for Water'. As a water-stressed nation, we must take urgent measures to ensure the availability of clean and safe drinking water for all. The catastrophic floods of 2022, which displaced millions and caused immense destruction, serve as a stark reminder of climate change's devastating effects on our country. We must build climate-resilient infrastructure, prevent water pollution, and promote sustainable agricultural practices."
The President said, "Together, let us protect our homeland and our planet from the growing threat of climate change."
Recharge Pakistan initiative
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government's Recharge Pakistan initiative was working to mitigate climate-induced flood risks and reduce drought impacts through ecosystem-based adaptation.
"Meanwhile, through our Living Indus initiative, we are implementing 25 priority interventionsfrom promoting nature-based agriculture and restoring the Indus delta to curbing industrial pollution and investing in green infrastructure."
He said, "Today, as the world marks World Water Day 2025 under the theme "Glacier Preservation", we are reminded of the critical role glaciers play in sustaining our planet's freshwater supplies and of the grave challenges we face in protecting this essential resource." He said, "On this World Water Day, let us reaffirm our resolve to preserve our glaciers, protect our water resources, and work together for a resilient, water-secure futurefor our people, our region, and our planet."
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